Twelve arrested in Ayia Napa over alleged gang rape of British woman

A dozen Israelis have been arrested and remanded in custody for eight days in Cyprus after a British woman alleged she had been gang raped, according to a Cyprus police official.

The woman aged nineteen, filed a complaint with police in Ayia Napa on Wednesday morning saying she had been gang-raped the previous night.

The suspects, some of them reportedly minors, faced court in Paralimni for a closed remand hearing on Thursday morning.

According to reports, three of the dozen suspects admitted having sexual intercourse with the British female tourist, but denied rape allegations.

The police source said that the investigation is in its early stages and it is unclear how many people are suspected of being involved.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed that 12 Israeli citizens were arrested and their families notified. They also said that the Cypriot police had allowed Israeli diplomats access to the suspects.

Further according to reports, the 19-year-old British female apparently struck up a friendship with one of the suspects, and went to one of the teen’s hotel room shortly after midnight. A few minutes later more young men came into the room, recording what was happening (sexual intercourse), while others proceeded to join and rape the young woman.

Ayia Napa is on the southeast coast of Cyprus and is known for its beaches and vibrant nightlife.

More details as they develop.